Vol. 52, No.1 , Spring/Summer 2014 - "Sustainable Development"
(pp. 3 - 27)
Andrew R. Pfluger
Chevelle P. Malone
Amy Krakowka
Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering
United States Military Academy
West Point, New York
Abstract
The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project channelized the Kissimmee River to enhance regional water management. Before the project was completed, however, many began to call for river restoration. A retrospective analysis using current sustainability indicators shows why the project failed. Despite meeting the initial objectives of the project, several negative ecological consequences were quickly identified and catalyzed restoration. The restoration project incorporated sustainability indicators that the initial project failed to identify. This historical analysis compares the two projects using several selected sustainability indicators and shows the importance of conducting a comprehensive sustainability assessment, involving all stakeholders in project planning, and developing useful sustainability indicators prior to project inception.
FARMLAND TRENDS IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA: TOWARDS SMALLER ORGANIC FARMS?
(pp. 28 - 40)
Caroline Casey
Vermont Law School
Royalton, Vermont
Keith G. Henderson
Department of Geography and the Environment
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Abstract
Land-use change can have significant environmental and social consequences. During the latter half of the twentieth century, a significant amount of farmland was lost to development in the United States. Near metropolitan areas, a large portion of this loss can be attributed to sprawl. In suburban Philadelphia, for example, populations have doubled in some counties over the last 50 years. This increased development pressure has resulted in long-term trends toward fewer, larger farms and an overall decline in open space. However, in recent years these trends have slowed or even reversed. Recent data suggest that the number of smaller, more intensely cropped farms may be on the rise for the first time in over fifty years. We speculate that this shift may be linked to growing demand for locally-grown, organic crops in metropolitan areas.
SUPERCENTERS: MAJOR COMPETITION FOR SUPERMARKETS
(pp. 41 - 66)
Thomas O. Graff
Department of Geosciences
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Hubert B. Stroud
Department of Criminology, Sociology, and Geography
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Abstract
In the last two decades supercenters have emerged as a major competitor to supermarkets. At present, supercenters account for almost thirty percent of the groceries sold in the American market place compared to six percent a decade ago. Wal-Mart is the largest supercenter chain, but Target, Meijer, and Fred Meyer (Kroger) operate significant numbers of supercenters as well. This paper investigates the locations of supercenters, suggests where supercenters are likely to spread, and identifies the types of grocery retailers which are likely to compete successfully with supercenters. Supercenters started in the central part of the nation and tend to be located in modest-sized communities and suburban locations of many metropolitan markets. Many additional suburban sites remain available for supercenter expansion. Regional grocery chains and niche grocers appear to be best able to compete with supercenters.
INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE: TIME TRAVEL MADE EASY— THE SEQUEL
(pp. 67 - 88)
Donald Patrick Albert
Department of Geography and Geology
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Nancy Stockwell Morris
Senior Contract Administrator
Enerfin Resources
Houston, Texas
Jim W. Tiller
Department of Geography and Geology
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Abstract
This article expands on the article entitled “International Date Line: Time Travel Made Easy” that appeared in the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of The Pennsylvania Geographer. Five additional International Date Line (IDL) scenarios are analyzed herein; three under the history category and one each for the literature and current event categories. Aside from providing more “spice” to illustrate the IDL phenomena, the scenarios presented highlight corollary issues such as: perpetuating errors and the cycle of misinformation; avoiding the paradox of date changes; the challenge of dating events that occur astride days; consequences of switching days; and a whimsical portrayal of crossing the “line” back and forth from the television series The Suite Life on Deck. Since the mechanics of the IDL can often dissolve into an unpleasant exercise, it is important to capture students’ attention with illustrations involving the International Date Line such as those presented in this article.
THE POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF ABORIGINAL CANADIANS
(pp. 89 - 107)
James C. Saku
Department of Geography
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland
Abstract
Aboriginal Canadians are among the largest minority groups in Canada. As a minority group, their population characteristics are very unique and different from the rest of Canadians. Aboriginal Canadians are broadly classified into three groups: Indians, Inuit and Métis. Using the 1996, 2001 and 2006 census data of Canada, this paper analyses the changing population characteristics of Aboriginal Canadians. While population of Métis increased at about 91% between 1996 and 2006, Inuit and Indians experienced an increase of about 29% and 26% respectively. Several factors including high fertility rates among Aboriginal Canadians, and a change in census definition of Aboriginal Canadians accounts for this phenomenon. Other Aboriginal demographic characteristics examined include the geographic distribution of Aboriginal Canadians and the use of Aboriginal languages. The analysis indicates that Ontario accounts for the largest number of Aboriginal Canadians. However, the largest provincial/territorial concentration of Aboriginal Canadians occurs in Nunavut (85%), Northwest Territories (50%) and Yukon (25%).